Origins of Several Carpatho-Rusyn Immigrants to Alden Station, Luzerne County

ORIGINS OF SEVERAL CARPATHO-RUSYN IMMIGRANTS TO ALDEN STATION, LUZERNE COUNTY, 1892-1914 by Michael Krasulski * t the turn of the last century, northeastern Pennsylvania’s thriving coal mines lured many from the economically distressed regions of southern and eastern Europe. By the 1890s several Carpatho-Rusyns1 had settled in the Polander Hill section of Alden Station, Newport Township, Luzerne County.2 This immigration continued unabated until the begin¬ ning of World War I.3 Many Carpatho-Rusyns came to America— over half of them to Pennsylvania4— not for the promise of a fresh start and better life, but for brief stays as laborers, with the intent of acquiring enough capital to purchase property or pay debts in Europe and return there.5 Some made multiple trips, even to differing locations each trip. Most married men left their families in Europe, but a few brought them over later. All these experiences are found in the families of Alden Station. A Michael Krasulski, 311 South 13th Street, Apt. 307, Philadelphia, PA 19107. In 1907 the author’s great-grandfather Jan Krasowski left the village of Wulka in Galicia at age 19 to work in Alden’s coal mines, his settlement in Alden Station likely influenced by friends and relatives from the surrounding villages who were already there. l The terminology Carpatho-Rusyn is problematic. Paul Robert Magocsi, states "Americans whose ancestors came from Galicia, where the term Rusyn as a self-identi¬ fier was also widespread until as late as the third decade of the twentieth century . . . these Galician-Rusyn immigrants and their descendants, . . . have identified themselves as Carpatho-Russians, simply Russians, or Ukrainians.” (Paul Robert Magosci, Our Peo¬ ple: Carpatho-Rusyns and Their Descendants in North America [Toronto: Multicultural History of Ontario, 1984 and later editions], 8). In American records they are often referred to as Ruthenian. Magosci has written extensively on the area, one of the most accessible books being Paul Robert Magocsi, The Immigrant Experience: The CarpathoRusyn Americans (Philadelphia and New York: Chelsea House Publishers, 1989). 2 Alden Station (also simply Alden) is composed of four neighborhoods: Prospect Hill, Polander Hill, Lee Mine, and Main Street (West Kirmar Avenue). 3 Estimates for immigration from this general area prior to World War I range from 150,000 (Paul Robert Magocsi, The Shaping of a National Identity: Subcarpathian Rus’, 1848-1948 [Cambridge, Mass.: Harvard University Press, 1978], 66) to almost 260,000 (US Immigration Commissioner statistics, in Magosci, Our People [note 1], 15; see the discussion there on statistics). After the war, immigration resumed, but at lower levels. It essentially ceased with the Immigration Act of 1924. 4 Magosci, Our People (note 1), 23. 5 Magosci, Our People (note 1), 23- After 1914, few returned to Europe (Magosci, Carpatho-Rusyn Americans [note 1 ], 47). One estimate says that 17 per cent returned to Europe (Magosci, Our People [note 1], 15). Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 45 (2007) 21 22 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 45 AMERICAN RESOURCES In the mining communities in which they settled, there were often enough Carpatho-Rusyns for the establishment of a Greek Catholic church. St. Vladimir Greek Catholic Church in Alden was founded in 1894. Unfortunately, a 1917 fire destroyed the church and its parish reg¬ isters. No full-time priest served the parish after the fire. Thereafter, rec¬ ords of St. Vladimir parishioners are scattered among various parishes in Nanticoke, Wilkes-Barre, Plymouth, Glen-Lyon, and Shenandoah, depend¬ ing on which priest served the St. Vladimir parish at that time— coverage was sporadic at best. The Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church, located on East Kirmar Avenue, was founded soon after the destruction of St. Vladimir’s. A conversation with the church clerk confirmed that the early records of the parish are spotty, depending on the priest.6 Recently, the parish itself was dissolved. Tombstones in the St. Vladimir Cemetery, adjacent to the site of the church, provided information on those not found in church records. Ship manifests7 and naturalization records8 provide the best bridge between the Old and New World. Ship manifests after 1892 were sup¬ posed to record the immigrant’s place of birth and their final destination. Naturalization records after 1906 recorded the immigrant’s place of birth. The United States censuses asked for a variety of information related to birth and immigration.9 Draft cards from World War I and II provided fur¬ ther assistance.10 On passenger lists and censuses, the individuals in this study were often categorized as being born in Austria and ethnically Ruthenian. Occasionally there are references to Poland or Russia. The Carpatho-Rusyn language is written in Cyrillic form, similar to Ukrainian. Therefore, names in a Roman language, such as English, are generally rendered phonetically, with shifts to familiar, reasonable, or pronounceable forms. Especially on the census, surnames can be spelled beyond recognition. Given names, too, varied significantly.11 6 Conversation with Michael Kardash, Holy Resurrection Russian Orthodox Church Clerk, Newport Centre, Newport Township, Luzerne County, 20 November 2006. 7 The author searched the Ellis Island passenger lists using Steven Morse’s one-step forms (www.stevemorse.org or www.jewishgen.org/databases/EIDB/ellis.html), which can be searched by surname and/or town of origin. Any passengers who listed Alden or Alden Station as their final destination were examined further. 8 The author searched the naturalization records at the Luzerne County Court House, Wilkes-Barre, between 1997 and 2000. 9 The author originally searched the censuses on National Archives microfilm; later searches and rechecking were conducted on Ancestry.com. 10 The author originally searched the 1918 and 1942 draft cards at National Archives Regional Branch, Philadelphia; later searches and rechecking were conducted on Ancestry.com. 11 Demetrius in Latin is Dymitr or Dmytr in Polish, for example; Dymtro or Dmytro in transliterated Ukrainian becomes Metro or Dymtro in the United States. Paraskeva in Latin becomes Parakiewia in Polish; Paraskovia in transliterated Ukrainian is often 2007 Carpatho-Rusyn Immigrants to Alden, Pennsylvania 23 Immigrants also seemed to have forgotten their birth dates. Several in this paper have one or more recorded birth dates in America that are inconsistent with the one in European baptismal registers. Likewise, the actual date of immigration on the ship manifest often does not match the date given in naturalization papers or censuses. THE VILLAGES IN EUROPE This study focuses on immigrants to Alden Station, Luzerne County, from the Carpatho-Rusyn villages of Balucianka, Deszno, Posada Gorna, and Wulka. Geographically, these isolated villages lie in the foothills on the north side of the steep Carpathian Mountains, in the Wistok River valley. Politically, the villages were at one time in Galicia in Austria-Hungary; presently they are in Sanok County, Podkarpackie Province, in southeast¬ ern Poland. The peaks of the Carpathian Mountains form the border with Slovakia to the south; to the east lies the Ukraine.12 The peasant emancipation of 1848 freed the serfs from their landlords. The change of their economic status was reflected in the church regis¬ ters. Within a decade, many males went from being rustics (landless peas¬ ants) to agricola (small land-owning peasants). Overall, however, Galicia’s peasants did not prosper from their emancipation. The patches of land were barely large enough to support a family, let alone tax liabilities, and families often found themselves deeply in debt.13 Ironically, the eco¬ nomic situation of Galicia’s peasants improved only when “emigration fever” hit the region in the 1890s. Emigration to America “reduced the overcrowding of the countryside, stimulated wage and price increases, and supplied the Galician village with a constant influx of money earned abroad and sent home by the emigrants.”14 The surprisingly high number Pearl in the United States. Fedir or Fecko usually appear in baptismal records as Theodorus in Latin or Teodor in Polish. Because the native name began with an F, in the United States the individual often chose to use Frank or Fred as their given name, rather than Ted or Theodore. Editor’s note: Throughout this article we have preserved the spelling as written on documents as a learning tool for readers who may be undertaking their own research on ancestors from this region. 12 Immigrants from other nearby villages also came to Alden. Researchers who have identified an ancestral village will find invaluable the map created by Paul Robert Magosci, “Carpatho-Rusyn Settlement at the Outset of the 20th Century with Additional Data from 1881 and 1806” (Toronto: Cartography Office, University of Toronto, 1996; copy at the Family History Library, Salt Lake City, and other repositories). It indicates villages that have been destroyed. The valleys on the south side of the mountains, in present-day Slovakia, are occupied by villagers referred to as Sub-Carpathian Rus’, who have similar backgrounds and immigration experiences to those in this study; see Magocsi, Subcarpathian Rus (note 3). 13 Magosci, Our People (note 1), 11. 14 Stefan Kieniewicz, The Emancipation of the Polish Peasant (Chicago: University of Chicago Press, 1970), 210-11. 24 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 45 of return trips shown below, however, indicates that many did not anticipate their journey to America to be a permanent migration. The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Catholic Church served the spiritual needs of the villagers in Deszno, Posada Gorna, and Wulka. The priest in Deszno also served the filial churches of The Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Balucianka and The Patronage of the Blessed Virgin Mary in Woltuszowa. Remarkably, the Deszno parish records survive back to 1784, written in either Latin or Old Church Slavonic, a Cyrillic liturgical script. Priests in rural Poland did not use classical Latin in their records; instead, they tended to Latinize the local tongue. The records of the Deszno parish are scattered among the state archives in Sanok and Przemysl and the public records office in Rymanow. Baptismal registers were recorded for each individual town, while marriage and deaths for all villages were recorded together in the Deszno book. Genealogically, the baptismal registers are a gold mine. They give not only the names of the parents, but also the names of their parents. 15 Occupations as noted in the church registers give us insight into village life. Balucianka, Posada Gorna, and Wulka appear to have been populated exclusively by peasant farmers. Deszno, the largest community in the par¬ ish, was mildly more sophisticated. Deszno had an elementary school. However, almost none of the immigrants to America could read or write. Rymanow, five miles to the north, appears to have been the economic center of the area, providing the villages of the parish with material goods and supplies. Rymanow was, and still is, the administrative and legal cen¬ ter of the area. It was a sizable market town with a complex economy by Galician standards. The 1891 Galician Business Directory reveals a town that had two taverns, furriers, wood, leather, cloth, meat dealers, tailors, a hatter, cheese dealer, stationery shop, bookbinder, grocer, tanner, glazier, potter, blacksmith, and various other concerns.16 Balucianka is located two miles west of Deszno. In 1785, there were only 189 Greek Catholics in the village; there were no Jews or Roman Catholics living in the village. By 1840, the village population had climbed to 257, and by the turn of the century it had reached 289. The Dormition of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Catholic Chapel was con¬ structed in 1820 and is still standing, though abandoned.17 The Anto15 The author obtained photocopies of the baptismal registers. All information from the registers is from these photocopies. 16 Kaufmannisches Adressbuch fur Industrie, Handel und Gewerbe, XIV Galizien (Wien: Bergmann & Comp., 1891) (www.jewishgen.org/databases/Poland/galicial891.htm). The baptismal records of Rymanow do not contain any of the surnames of the Alden immigrants. 17 Dmytro Blazejowskyj [Blazejovskyj], Historical Sematism [i.e., Schmematism } of the Eparchy of Peremys [i.e., Peremyshl\ including the Apostolic Administration of Lemkivscyna [i.e., Lemkivshchyna ] (1828-1939) (Kamenyar: Lviv, 1995), 151-52. 2007 Carpatho-Rusyn Immigrants to Alclen, Pennsylvania 25 szyk, Cyrka, Michaeliszyn, Orysik, Prozeralik, Steciak, and Szalayda families emigrated from Balucianka to Alden Station. Deszno was settled by 1389. The Deszno church registers reveal an agri¬ culturally-based community of small farmers. The Nativity of the Blessed Virgin Mary Greek Catholic Church was constructed in 1880, replacing an early building constructed in 1738. The first Austrian census in 1784 found 120 Greek Catholics, 132 Roman Catholics, and 6 Jews in the vil¬ lage. By 1840, the village contained 970 people and grew to 1,178 in 1899.18 Although Deszno was the largest village in the parish, the overall population was small. The Chrapcio, Drahus, Ilasz, and Rudawski families emigrated from Deszno to Alden Station. Posada Gorna is located 2.5 miles south of Deszno. In 1785, there were only 52 Greek Catholics, 535 Roman Catholics, and 6 Jews in the village. By the turn of the twentieth century, the Greek Catholic population had risen to 249, while the Roman Catholic population had declined to 114.19 The Rudawski family emigrated from Posada Gorna to Alden Station. Wulka was located on the main road [Polish Route 887] between Rymanow and Krolik. Very little is known about the village. Based on the size of the baptismal register, the town was bigger than Posada Gorna though smaller than Balucianka. Wulka was burned to the ground by the Polish government in 1945 during Operation Vistula— the forced removal of the Carpatho-Rusyns from southeastern Poland. The Krasowski family emi¬ grated from Wulka to Alden Station. THE ANTOSZYK FAMILY OF BALUCIANKA GREGORY ANTOSZYK, KSENIA/XENIA20 ANTOSZYK Ksenia Antosiek, 14, Ruthenian, subject of Austria, last resident in Balu¬ cianka, Galicia, nearest relative there an aunt, R. Antosiek, arrived 8 June 1914 in New York. She was headed to meet her father21 in Aldyn Sta¬ tion.22 An immigration record for Gregory has not been located. He was not found on the 1910 or 1920 censuses in Luzerne County, nor was Xenia found under her maiden name in 1920, although it is possible that she married and remained in Pennsylvania. Only one Xenia Antoszyk appears in the Balucianka records of the cor¬ rect age. Gregory Antoszyk and Paraskeva Barna had five children born 18 Blazejowskyj, Historical Sematism (note 18), 152. 19 Blazejowskyj, Historical Sematism (note 18), 152. 20 An x in Latin tends to substituted with the Polish ks, equating Xenia and Ksenia (Rosemary Chorzempa, Polish Roots [Baltimore: Genealogical Publishing Company, 1993], 208). 21 Her father’s initial is blurred. It looks more like an H or K than a G. 22 George Washington passenger list, New York City, 8 June 1914, page 113, line 30; [detention list] page 172, index number 26 (NARA T715, roll 2331). 26 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 45 between 1900 and 1907 in Balucianka, all of whom except Xenia died before age four. The baptism of Gregory Antoszyk was also found. Xenia— nata 4 Februrarius 1900 baptisma 4 Februrarius 1900. Pater: Gregori Antoszyk agricola in Balucianka filius Antoniea Antoszyk et Marthae de Rydzyk progeniate agricola Balucianka. Mater: Paraskeva Barna filia Simeonis Barna et Annae de Kot progeniate agricola in Kaunianka. Patrini: Theodorus Odrechowski et Catherine uxor Basili Kosciabe agricola loci. Gregorius— natus 4 Maius 1876 baptisatus 6 Maius 1876. Pater: Antoniea Antoszyk filius Joannis Antoszyk et Anna Bobera in Balucianka. Mater: Martha filia Joannis Rydzyk et Anna [ illegible ]. Patrini: Elias Rydzyk agri¬ cola loci et Rosalia uxor Michaelis Kiruzawzk. THE CHRAPCIO FAMILY OF DESZNO WASYL CHRAPCIO, METRO23 CHRAPCIO, TEODOR/FRANK24 CHRAPCIO On the 1910 census, Wasyl Krapcha, 25, who immigrated that year, and Metro Krapcha, 21, who immigrated in 1905, both born in Austria, Ruthenian, were boarders on Polander Hill.25 Wasil returned to Deszno by 1913 and married Anastasia Zajac; their first child, Anna, was born 3 May 1914 in Deszno. By 1920, Martin Krafcha, 28, had married Annie/ Anna ?ÿ 21. They lived on East Kirmar Avenue for the remainder of their lives.26 Metro died 27 January 1943 and is buried next to his wife Anna in St. Vladimir’s Cemetery. In 1920 Frank Krapcho, 27, single, immi¬ grated in 1912, was living on Polander Hill, a laborer in the coal mines, but by 1930 he had married Mary Swantko, and they continued to reside in Alden.27 Frank died in December 1973 and is buried near his wife Mary in St. Vladimir’s Cemetery. — 23 He used Martin, Metro, and Dymtro interchangeably. It is Dymtro on his tomb¬ stone (visit to St. Vladimir’s Cemetery by the author November 2006); it is Metro in his obituary (Wilkes-Barre Record, 29 January 1943). See note 11. 24 His name is Teodor (immigration record), but Frank on censuses, his 1942 draft card (Frank Krapcho, Draft Card #U974, 96 Newport Avenue, Alden, age 50, born 14 October 1892 in Dashnel, Poland), and his tombstone, which reads Frank Krapcho (visit to St. Vladimir’s Cemetery by the author November 2006). See note 11. 25 Nathaniel Tillinska [indexed as Tillinsha on Ancestry] household, 1910 US Census, Newport Township, Luzerne County, ED 84, sheet 6B continued on supplement page 25A, #97/113 (NARA T624, roll 1369). Also boarding there was fellow villager Luduma [Vladimir] Drahus [see Drahus family of Deszno]. 26 Martin Krafcha household, 1920 US Census, Newport Township, Luzerne County, ED 144 sheet 12B (NARAT625, roll 1594). Martin Hrapcho household, 1930 US Census, Newport Township, Luzerne County, ED 40-154 sheet 13A (NARA T626, roll 2070). His 1942 draft card (note 24), still shows him residing on East Kirmar Avenue. 27 Frank Teman household, 1920 US Census, Newport Township, Luzerne County, ED 144, sheet 3B (NARA T624, roll 1369). Frank Chrapcio household, 1930 US Census, Newport Township, Luzerne County, ED 154, sheet 12A, stamped page 236 (NARA T626, roll 2070). Mary Swantko Krapcho died 12 October 1995 (obituary, Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, 14 October 1995); her obituary notes Frank’s death December 1973. In the Social Security Death Index, Frank Krapcho appears is Frank Copaha and his birth date is recorded as 14 October 1893. 2007 Carpatho-Rusyn Immigrants to Alden, Pennsylvania 27 Dmitro Chrapcio arrived 27 March 1905 in New York on the Pretoria. He was 17, a subject of Austria, Polish race, last residing in Dezno. He was going to meet his cousin Ivan Chwosteyk of Alden Station. In the destina¬ tion column, “Alden Station” was written over with “Little Falls, N.Y.,” apparently their rendezvous point.28 The declaration of intention for Metro Hraphco states he was born 15 September 1888 and arrived 28 April 1904 on the Pretoria,29 Wasyl Clwapeiv arrived 5 February 1910 in New York on the Lapland. He gave his last place of residence as Dezno, listed his father Andrej Chrapcio as his next of kin in Europe, and said he was going to Alden Sta¬ tion to meet his brother Dmytro Chrapcio. He was 57", with fair com¬ plexion, blond hair, and gray eyes.30 Teodor Chrapcio, arrived in New York two years after Wasil, 2 October 1912, age 24, a farm laborer, unable to read or write, a subject of Austria, Ruthenian race, last permanent residence Deszno, Austria, his nearest relative in Europe was his father Andrej Chrapcio. He had paid for his own passage and was headed to his brother Dmytro Chrapcio in Alden Station. His physical description matches that of his brother, except he was an inch shorter.31 Baptisms fitting Wasyl, Dmitro, and Teodor, sons of Andrej, were found in Deszno. Basilius— natus 25 Aprilis 1884, baptisatus 26 Aprilis 1884. Pater: Andreas Chrapcio agricola Deszno filius Theodori Chrapcio et Catharina Rudawski agricola in Deszno. Mater: Anastasia Chrapcio filia Petri Bolak et Mariae Jachwan natae agricola in Woltuszowa. Patrini et eorum Conditio: Joannes Burdasz et Anna uxor Theodori Kowal agricola Deszno. Demetrius— natus 8 Decembris 1887, baptisatus 8 Decembris 1887. [Parents: see above.] Patrini et eorum Conditio: Joannnes Burdasz et Martha uxor Nicolai Ilasz agricola Deszno. Theodorus— natus 28 Januarius 1890, baptisatus 31 Januarius 1890. [Parents: see above.] Patrini et eorum Conditio: Timotheus Rak et Anna uxor Theodori Koval agricola Deszno. 28 Pretoria passenger list, New York City, 27 March 1905, page 51, line 26 (NARA T715, roll 549). 29 Metro Hrapcho, Petition for Naturalization #10636, Luzerne County Common Pleas, Wilkes-Barre (Luzerne County Court House). 30 Lapland passenger list, New York City, 5 February 1910 [ship arrived 16 Febru¬ ary], page 64, line 17, [detention list] 15 February 1910, page 97, line 2; New York (NARA T715, roll 1412) [indexed on Ancestry as West Clovapein, but readable if you know what it should say; the Ellis Island database indexes it as Wasyl Clwapeiv]. Most of the Carpatho-Rusyn immigrants traveled alone, but on this ship was Danko [?Denko] Modyl from Deszno; obviously the young men traveled together, as their names are only two lines apart, but Danko was headed for Berwick, Pennsylvania. 31 Amerika passenger list, New York City, 2 October 1912, page 133, line 6 (NARA T715, roll 1953). 28 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 45 THE CYRKA FAMILY OF BALUCIANKA MICHAEL CYRKA, PROKOP/JOHN CYRKA, ANDREW CYRKA The Cyrka brothers were living together on Polander Hill in 1910: Michael Cyrka, 28, immigrated in 1904, had taken out citizenship papers. His wife of one year, Anna, 18, had immigrated in 1908.John, 32, had been married for three years, but his wife was not with him; he immi¬ grated in 1909. Andrew, 20, immigrated in 1905. They spoke Ruthenian; Andrew could speak English.32 Michael Cyrka died 5 July 1912 in Alden and is buried in St. Vladimir’s Cemetery.33 Prokop returned to Europe. Andrew has not been found after 1910. Prokop Cyrka, 24, single, first came to the United States 3 July 1901 arriving in Baltimore. With him was Johann Prysek, 30, married, both last of Balucianka. They were headed to Mikas Racks [or Backs] in Allegheny City, near Pittsburgh.34 He returned to Balucianka by 1906 and married Paraskeva Zawjoski from the neighboring village of Krolik. Paraskeva remained behind in Balucianka with their first child while Prokof was in the United States. Prokop Cyzka, 31, Ruthenian, born in Balucianka, last in Balucianka where his nearest relative was his wife Pareska, arrived a second time 31 August 1909 in New York, heading to his brother Mich, in Alden Station, Luzerne County. He was 5'6" with brown hair and eyes.35 Prokof and Paraskeva had six children in Balucianka.36 The gap in births suggest Prokof remained in Alden until about 1913, then returned to Balucianka, apparently permanently. Immigration records for Michael and Andrew were not found. The three immigrant brothers were baptized at Balucianka. Procopius— natus 22 Februrarius 1878, baptisatus 28 Februrarius 1878. Pater: Alexander Cyrka agricola in Balucianka filius Andreae Cyrka et Evae Czajkowski agricola ibidem. Mater: Anastasia filia Simeonis Orysik et Evae a Michaeliszyn agricola in Balucianka. Patrini: Joannes Potocki et Maria uxor Joannis Gynda agricola Balucianka. Michael— natus 3 Julius 1880, baptisatus 6 Julius 1880. Parents: [see above]. Patrini: Les [sic?] Antoszyk et Maria uxor Joannis Gynda agricola Balucianka. 32 Michael Cyrka household, 1910 US Census, Newport Township, Luzerne County, ED 84, page 5A (NARA T624, roll 1369). John and Andrew are identified as Michael’s brothers on the census. The surname for John was originally written as Prokof \ which was then crossed out, but is used for the index surname on Ancestry. Prokof was his given name, but he was already using John. 33 Visit to the St. Vladimir’s Cemetery by the author November 2006. 34 Frankfurt passenger list, Baltimore, 3 July 1901, page 53, lines 6 and 7 (NARA T844, roll 22). 35 Kroonland passenger list, New York City, 31 August 1909, page 46, line 30 (NARA T715, roll 1326). 36 Mary born 30 November 1906, died 6 August 1918; Wasil born 12 January 1914, died 18 January 1914; John born 24 April 1915; Mary born 5 May 1919; Wasil born 4 [ illegible] 1921; Anna born 17 August 1924. 2007 Carpatho-Rusyn Immigrants to Alden, Pennsylvania 29 Andreas— natus 23 Novembris 1883 baptisatus 30 Novembris 1883. Parents: [see above]. Patrini: Joannes Hardon et Catharinae uxor Michaelis Bolak agricola in Balucianka. THE DRAHUS FAMILY OF DESZNO VLADIMIR DRAHUS, MARY (BURDASZ) DRAHUS, WANIO/JOHN DRAHUS In 1910, Ladima Drowes, 32, Austrian/Ruthenian national and Ruthenian speaker, boarded on Polander Hill. He had immigrated in 1905 and been married for eight years, but his wife is not present.37 After she joined him, the family remained on Polander Hill, appearing in the 1920 and 1930 censuses.38 Their son John Drahus did not marry. Vladimir’s immigration record has not been located. His wife Mari¬ anna Drochus, 37, and son Wanio, 11, both born in Desno, arrived 23 June 1913 in New York, headed to her husband Wladimir Drahus in Alden. Her closest relative in Desno was her mother Katarsyna Burdas.39 Mary Burdasz’s baptism was not located in the Deszno registers, but those of her husband and son were. Wladimiraus— natus 14 Aprilis 1876, baptizatus 17 Aprilis 1876. Pater: Basilius Drahus filius Gregori et Anna Drahus agricola Wolutrova. Mater: Martha filia Michaeli et Anastasiae Plyska agricola Woltustova. Patrini: none. Joannes— natus 7 Octobris 1901, baptizatus 9 Octobris 1901. Pater: Vladimirus Drahus agricola in Deszno filius Basilus Drahus et Marthae de Plyska progentiae agrcolaunka in Woluszowa. Mater: Maria filus Petri Bur¬ dasz et Pelagiade de Szubiak progenitae agricola Deszno. Patrini et eorum Conditio: Gregorius Chrapcio et Claudia uxor Basili Barna agricolae loci. THE ILASZ FAMILY OF DESZNO METRO ILASZ, MARYA ILASZ In 1910, Mitro Elachz, 20, and his wife Pirska, 25, Ruthenians born in Austria, lived on Polander Hill with their two Pennsylvania-born chil¬ dren.40 In 1920 the widowed Metro Elash, 42, resided with his “brother37 Nathaniel Tillinska household, 1910 US Census (note 25). Boarding in the same house were brothers Metro and Wasil Krapcho, also from Deszno (see The Chrapcio Family of Deszno). 38 L. Wadic Drahuse [indexed on Ancestry as Lwadie Drshuse/Drahkel] household, 1920 US Census, Newport Township, Luzerne County, ED 144, page 4A (NARA T625, roll 1598). By 1920 Wanio was using the Americanized name of John. Ladomer Drahus household, 1930 US Census, Newport Township, Luzerne County, ED 40-154 sheet 4A (NARA T, roll); they resided at no. 81 Laurel Street in Alden. In 1920 John is errone¬ ously described as born in Pennsylvania. 39 Rotterdam passenger list, New York City, 23 June 1913, page 189, lines 27 and 28 (NARA T715, roll 2113) [indexed as Marianna and Mania Drackus on Ancestry]. 40 Mitro Elachz household, 1910 US Census, Newport Township, Luzerne County, ED 84, page 6B (NARA T624, roll 1369. Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine 30 Vol. 45 in-law” Wasil Mehalick.41 Wasil’s wife, Mary, is probably Metro’s sister Mary (see below), but no marriage document has been located. By 1930, Metro Elash, 50, a Russian-speaker, born in Poland, residing on Polander Hill, had a 59-year-old, Polish-born, Russian-speaking wife named Mary.42 Metro remained in Alden and is buried in St. Vladimir’s Cemetery.43 Immigration papers for Metro Elas indicate he arrived 5 March 1904 in Baltimore 44 He was not located on a Baltimore list, but was found instead in New York arrivals two years later. Matir Ilasz arrived 13 January 1902, age 25, born in Teszna or Deszna. He referenced his brother-in-law Andri Ruclowski45 in Alden as his final destination 46 It is unclear if Metro arrived in 1902, returned to Europe, and reentered the United States in 1904, or if the information on his application is incorrect. On 13 September 1904 Marya Elasz, a Ruthenian, arrived in New York. She said her “brother” Mytro Elasz in Alden Station was her final destina¬ tion.47 On his declaration of intention, Metro said he was born 14 March 1879 48 On his 1942 draft card he said he was born 8 March 1878.49 Only one family in Deszno had a son Dymtro and a daughter Mary who approximately fits those dates. Demetrius— nata 26 Octobris 1878 baptisatus 31 Octobris 1878. Pater: Petrus Ilasz filius Stephani Ilasz et Catharina Orysik agricola Deszno. Mater: Anastasia filia Joannis Krasowski et Anastasie Bolak agricola in Wulka. Patrini et eorum Conditio: Joannes Smerecki et Maria uxor Andreas Zawojski agricola loci. Maria— nata 30 Aprilis 1886 baptisma 2 Maius 1886. [Parents: see above.] Patrini et eorum Conditio: Joannes Smerecki et Maria uxor Andrae Zawojski agricola Deszno. 41 Wasil Mehalick household, 1920 US Census, Newport Township, Luzerne County, ED 144, sheet 1A(NARAT625, roll 1594). 42 Metro Elash household, 1930 US Census, Newport Township, Luzerne County, ED 40-154, page 3B (NARA T626, roll 2070). 43 Metro died 23 July 1948. His siblings are not listed in his obituary. 44 Metro Elas, Petition for Naturalization #9021, 3 April 1922, Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas, Wilkes-Barre (Luzerne County Court House). 45 The only Andrew Rudowski found in Alden lived on Railroad Street. A connection between him and the Ilasz family is currently unknown. Andrew Rudowski was John Krasulski’s father-in-law (see The Krasowski Family of Wulka). 4ÿ Palatia passenger list, New York City, 13 January 1902, page 243, line 30 (NARA T715, roll 248). 47 Grosser Krufrust passenger list, New York City, 13 September 1904, page 66, line 22 (NARA T715, roll 493). 48 Metro Has, Declaration of Intention #8438, 3 April 1919, Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas, Wilkes-Barre (Luzerne County Court House) 49 Order #U331, 28 April 1942: Metro Eliash, 192 Polander Hill, age 64, signed by mark. 2007 Carpatho-Rusyn Immigrants to Alden, Pennsylvania 31 THE KRASOWSKI FAMILY OF WULKA WANIO/JOHN KRASOWSKI In 1910, John Kraciewzki, 21, Austrian/Ruthenian, a laborer in the coal mines and literate Ruthenian-speaker who had immigrated in 1907, was boarding in the familiar neighborhood on Polander Hill. Michael Rudawsky (see The Rudawski Family of Deszno and Posada Gorna) was also boarding there. Michael Cyrka and his new wife Anna, with his brothers John and Andrew Cyrka, lived next door (see The Cyrka Family of Balucianka).50 On 11 February 1911 John Krasivsky, born 15 December 1887 in Aus¬ tria, married Anna Rudowska, born 26 January in Alden.51 She was the daughter of Andrew and Martha (Burdasz) Rudowski.52 There is conflict¬ ing information on her birth. In 1920 John Kruchefsky, 30, and Anna, 25, living at 164 Polander Hill, were both born in Russia, immigrated in 1906 and 1913 respectively, and both could speak English, but in 1930, John Krasulski, 39, Polish-born Russian speaker, and his American-born wife Anna resided at 164 Pine Street in Alden.53 On their marriage license and her husband’s petition for naturalization, her birthplace listed as Alden. However, Anna Rudawska, 17 and single, nationality Austrian, last in Deszno, Ruthenian, arrived 18 October 1910 in New York, headed for Alden. Her closest relative in Dezno was her mother Marta. Her passage was paid by her father Andrej Rudawski in Alden. She said she was not in the US before and was born in Dezno.54 Anna was the author’s great¬ grandmother. Family information says this is her return after staying a few years with her grandmother in Deszno. No baptism was found for her in Dezno. Wanio Kraskwsky, 17, immigrated to the United States with Harry Szalayda (see The Szalayda Family of Balucianka), arriving 7 June 1907 in New York on the Barharossa, going to his cousin Petro Rudewski55 in Alden Station. Wanio was born in Wilka; his closest relative in Wilka was 50 Wasyl Dionchak [indexed as Danchak on Ancestry] household, 1910 US Census, Newport Township, Luzerne County, ED 84, page 5A (NARA T624, roll 1369). 51 Luzerne County Marriage License #57661. 52 Rudawski is a common name in the villages studied. This Andrew Rudowski was not related to the Rudawskis of Posada and Deszno. The baptismal register of Deszno at the 1900 baptism of a child of Andrew and Martha identifies Andrew as the son of Basil Rudowski and Eudoina Sudyk, farmers of Krolik Poloski [a nearby village]. 53 John Kruchefsky household, 1920 US Census, Newport Township, Luzerne County, ED 144, sheet 2B (NARA T625, roll 1594). John Krasulski household, 1930 US Census, Newport Township, Luzerne County, ED 40-154, sheet 2B (NARA T626, roll 2070). 54 Finland passenger list, New York City, 18 October 1910, page 16, line 8 (NARA T715, roll 1579). 55 Peter was John Krasulski’s cousin and later best man at his wedding. On the wed¬ ding photograph they could pass as twins (photograph in the possession of John Kra¬ sulski’s daughter, Mrs. Olga Yudisky; copy in the possession of the author). 32 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 45 his uncle Audrey Krascinski.56/o/m Krasowskfs declaration of intention states he arrived on the Grosser Kuerfuerst,57 but Jan Krasiwskfs petition for naturalization correctly names the ship as the Barbarossa,58 John Krasowskfs 1917 draft registration says that he was born 15 July 1890 in Gatishia, married, with a wife and four children.59 John Krasowskfs declaration of intention lists his birth date as 31 July 1888, but the only Wulka baptism that fits is earlier than either of these dates. Family information that his father was named Cosma and his mother was a Rudawski indicates this is the correct record. Joannes— natus 25 Novembris 1887 baptisatus 25 Novembris 1887. Pater: Cosma Krasowski agricola in Wulka filius Georgi Krasowski et Anastasie Potocki agricola in Wulka. Mater: Maria filia Petri Rudawski et Parascviae Smerecki agricola in Posada Gorna. Patrini: Michael Petrowski et Catherine uxor Danielis Byncz agricola in Wulka. THE MICHAELISZYN FAMILY OF BALUCIANKA METRO MICHAELISZYN, TEODOR/FRANK60 MICHAELISZYN In 1910, Metro Michalasen, 38, a miner, his wife, Mary, and their six Pennsylvania-born children resided in the Prospect Hill section of Alden. Living with them was his “brother” Frank Michalasen, 41, a laborer in the coal mines. Metro had immigrated in 1892, Frank in 1896. Frank had been married for eighteen years, but his wife was not with him.61 Dimitro Michaliszyn's declaration of intention states he was born 20 October 1872 and arrived 22 February 1893 in New York.62 However, the only ship manifest located for Mytro Michaliszyn was the Noordland, which arrived 10 January 1894 in New York.63 Teodor Michalysyn, 40, born in Balucianka, last in Balucianka, nearest relative there his wife Anna,64 arrived 11 February 1909 in New York; 56 Barbarossa passenger list, New York City, 8 July 1907, page 31, line 10 (NARA T715, roll 940). As his birth record shows, John was actually 19. 57 John Krasowski, Declaration of Intention #209, 30 March 1910 United States Dis¬ trict Court, Middle District of Pennsylvania, Wilkes-Barre (Luzerne County Court House). 58 Jan Krasiwski, Petition for Naturalization #1218, 29 December 1913, Luzerne County Court of Common Pleas, Wilkes-Barre (Luzerne County Court House). 59 John Kraciwski draft card. The card is not numbered, but is dated 15 June 1917. 60 See note 11. 61 Metro Michalasen household, 1910 US Census, Newport Township, Luzerne County, ED 84, page 9A (NARA T624, roll 1369). 62 Dimitro Michaliszyn, 23 May 1896, Certificate of Citizenship, Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Luzerne County Court (Luzerne County Court House). 63 Noordland passenger list, New York City, 10 January 1894, page 244, line 6l (NARA M237, roll 622). 64 Teodor married Anna Steciak, sister of Wasil and Ivan/John Steciak, before he immigrated to the United States. See The Steciak Family of Balucianka. 2007 Carpatho-Rusyn Immigrants to Alden, Pennsylvania 33 listed next to him was Ivan Steciak.65 Both were headed Alden: Teodor to his “brother” Dymitro, Ivan to his “friend” Fecko Michalysyn.66 Teodor said he had lived in Alden from 1896 to 190367 The birth dates of Teodor’s children confirm his absence from Balucianka.68 Baptisms for Theodorus and Demetrius were found in Balucianka. Theodorus— natus 4 Januarius 1869 baptisatus 6 Januarius 1869. Pater: Theodorus Michaeliszyn agricola in Balucianka filius [illegible] Michaeliszyn Agricola et Anastasia de Dzula [illegible] Mater: Anna filius Petri Dzendel agricola Woltuszowa et Mariae de Biasko progenia. Patrini: Theodori Michaeliszyn et Tatiana uxor Stephen Bolak agricola in Balucianka. Demetrius— natus 5 Novembris 1871 baptisatus 7 Novembris 1871. Parents: [see above]. Patrini: [illegible].69 THE ORYSIK FAMILY OF BALUCIANKA ADAM ORYSIK, STEFAN ORYSIK, ATHANASIUS ORYSIK Between 1903 and 1906, the Orysik brothers, Adam, Stephan, and Atha¬ nasius, emigrated to Alden, but did not remain there long. None have been found on the 1910 census. By 1918, Adam lived in Rochester Hills, Indiana County, the only one of the brothers to remain in America70 Before he emigrated the second time in 1909, Stephan had married Eva Kotys, from the neighboring village of Krolik. Their first child, Maximus, was born just before he sailed for the United States. He returned to Europe by late 1911, because his daughter Parakeskva was born in Balu¬ cianka in 1912. Athanasius returned to Balucianka by the middle of 1911 and married Anastasia Smoluch, from the neighboring village of Krolik. Their first child, Wasil, was born 15 May 1912 in Balucianka. 65 Samland passenger list, New York City, 11 February 1909, page 126, line 19 (NARA T715, roll 1198). [He is indexed on Ancestry as Teador Michalyosin.] 66 No Fecko Michalysyn was found in Alden, nor can he be placed in this family. Fecko Mihalyszyn, 37, arrived in New York City 11 March 1904 on the Graf Waldersee\ his destination was Ford City, Pennsylvania, not Alden (Graf Waldersee passenger list, New York City, 11 March 1904, page 93, #190 [NARA T715, roll 4351). 67 This is partially correct. Teodor left Balucianka around 1896, but he most likely returned in mid or late 1901, since his son was Paul born in the summer of 1902. 68 Athanasius born 19 October 1895; Paul born 12 July 1902; George born 25 April 1904 died 26 April 1904; John born 7 February 1905; Stephan born 15 April 1907; Mary born 28 May 1914. 69 The author translated Dymtro’s baptismal record from Cyrillic into Latin. 70 1918 Draft Card Order # 2552, Adam Oresik, of Rochester Mills, Indiana, Pennsyl¬ vania, born 15 March 1882, nearest relative his wife Mary. 1942 Draft card U470, Adam Oresik, born 15 March 1882 in Balucianka, Austria, resident of Marion Center, Indiana County, Pennsylvania, closest relative his wife Mary, dated 27 August 1942. Birth date and birth place are correct on the draft card. In 1942, Adam lived in Marion Center, Indiana County. 34 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 45 Stefan Orysik, 23, born in Baluzianka, appears on the Hamburg passen¬ ger lists 18 June 1903.71 Stefan Orysik , 23, born in Balucianka, arrived in New York 30 July 1903, headed to Forest City, Pennsylvania, to join his friend Michel Rudawski.72 He returned briefly to Europe. Stefan Orysyk , 29, last in Balucianka where his closest relative was his wife Tewka, arrived a second time in New York 17 November 1909, going to his brother Adam in Alden.73 Adam Orysik , 25, born in Balucianka arrived 6 October 1906 in New York, headed to his cousin74 Michael Cyrka of Alden. Listed next to him was Danke Orysik, 18, also born in Balucianka, who planned to remain in New York City 75 A year later, on 3 September 1907, Attanas Ovisik arrived in New York headed for Alden Station. He was from Balucianka and his father’s name looks like Vitito Ovisik Baptisms were found in Balucianka for Adam, Stephan, and Athanasius. Stephanus— natus Januarius 9 1880, baptisatus 14 Januarius 1880. Pater: Theodoras Orysik rusticus in Balucianka filius Simeonis Orysik et Evae progeniate de Joannes Michaeliszyn agricola Balucianka. Mater: Catherina filia Theodori Potocki et Annae progeniate Andrea Cyrka agricola Balucianka. Patrini: Theodorus Kyorczak et Eva uxor Michaelis Steciak agri¬ cola in Balucianka. Adamus— natus 15 Martius 1882, baptisatus 17 Martius 1882. Parents: [see above]. Patrini: Simeonis Bolak et Eva uxor Michaelis Steciak agricola in Balucianka. Athanasius— natus 23 Maius 1890 baptisatus 25 Maius 1890. Parents: [see above]. Patrini: Michael Kotys et Anna uxor Joannis Hardon agricola Balucianka. THE PROZERALIK FAMILY OF BALUCIANKA FETZKO/FRANK77 PROZERALIK, JOHN PROZERALIK, METRO PROZERALIK Many individuals named Prozeralik came to Alden from Balucianka. The family had very close connections to the Rudowskis. They are found on 71 Hamburg passenger list, 18 June 1903, *846 (Ancestry.com). He was planning to sail on the Graf Waldersee. 72 Graf Waldersee passenger list, New York City, 30 July 1903, page 97, line 2 (NARA T715, roll 379) [surname indexed as Trysik on Ancestry]. 73 Main passenger list, New York City, 17 November 1909, page 213, line 19 (NARA T715, roll 1374). Freeland is located in Luzerne County, south of Newport Township, outside of Hazleton. 74 The baptismal registers show that Michael Cyrka’s father and Adam Orysick’s mother were brother and sister. 75 Kaiserin Auguste Victoira passenger list, New York City, 6 October 1906, page 97, line 27 (NARA T715, roll 777). Danka Orysik, 17, born in Balucianka accompanied him, but he was headed to New York (line 28). 76 Kroonland passenger list, New York City, 3 September 1907, page 214, line 9 (NARA T715, roll 980). 77 See note 1 1. 2007 Carpatho-Rusyn Immigrants to Alden, Pennsylvania 35 the US censuses living very close to them. Baptismal records in Balucianka show that the families intermarried more than once. In this coun¬ try, a branch of the Prozeralik family married into the Szalayda family.78 In 1900 Fetzko Prozoralick , born in May 1868, immigrated in 1894; his wife of one year, Bertha, born in September 1878, immigrated in 1898; and his “brother” John, born in August 1864, married 7 years, immigrated in 1898, were living on Polander Hill. Boarding with them was Andrew Ruduski, born in January 1865.79 Andrew’s daughter Anna would marry John Krasowski (see The Krasowski Family of Wulka). Careful attention to details in the census help track this family. In 1910, Fred Prazeralek, 38, immigrated in 1894, naturalized; his wife Pearl, 30, married 10 years (her second marriage, his first), immigrated in 1899; their four Pennsyl¬ vania-born children; and his brother John, 42, married 20 years, immi¬ grated in 1899, were living on Lee Mine Street [now East Kirmar Avenue]. Next door were newlyweds Metro, 29, and Pearl Prazeralek, 23, who had immigrated in 1905 and 1904.80 Frank purchased a home at 113 Center Street in the Hanover section of Nanticoke, at which they were residing in 1920 and 1930. In 1920, Frank, 49, and Theresa Prozaralek, 40, had their four Pennsylvania-born children living with them.81 In 1930, Frank, 59, and Pearl Prozeralik, 51, had only Russell, 23, still with them (who had been listed as Wasyl, 13 and 3, in earlier censuses). Frank had married at age 29 and Pearl at age 21.82 The marriage information and consistent immigration information for both show that Fetzko, Fred, and Frank are the same man and that Bertha, Pearl, and Theresa are the same woman. In 1918 Metro Proczeralik resided at 69 East Kirmar Avenue in Alden with his wife Pearl.83 By 1930 Metro Eroveralik, 50, an Austro-Czechslovakian Ruthenian speaker, immigrated in 1906, had moved to Middle Road in nearby Hanover Township with his wife Pearl, 4 2.84 Metro died there 3 February 1935.85 78 Metro Prozeralik’s daughter Eva married Hariton Shalida’s son Nicholas. See obitu¬ aries of Nicholas Shalayda ( Buffalo News, 28 August 2001), Elizabeth (Prozeralik) Kusk (Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, 23 Janurary 2003), and Michael Prozeralik (Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, 24 March 1998). 79 Fetzko [indexed as Petzko on Ancestry] Prozoralick household, 1900 US Census, Newport Township, Luzerne County, ED 98, page 15B (NARA T623, roll 1433). 80 Fred and Metro Prazaralek households, 1910 US Census, Newport Township, Luzerne County, ED 84, page 16B (NARA T624, roll 1369). 81 Frank Prozaralek household, 1920 US Census, Nanticoke Ward 8, Luzerne County, ED 131, sheet 10A (NARAT625, roll 1594). 82 Frank Prozeralick household, 1930 US Census, Nanticoke Ward 8, Luzerne County, ED 1 36, sheet 7A (NARA T626, roll 2070). 83 1918 draft card #1692, dated 19 September 1918; birth date 7 November 1880. 84 Metro Eroveralik household, 1930 US Census, Hanover Township, Luzerne County, ED 65, sheet 17A (NARA T 626, roll 2067). 85 Tombstone (visit to St. Vladimir’s Cemetery by the author November 2006). 36 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 45 John’s first immigration, about 1898, was not found.Jan Prozovalic, 36 and married, arrived from Balucianka 9 June 1903 on the Zeeland, going to his brother Fecko in Alden.86 Four years later, on 27 July 1909,/«« Pozeralyk , 42, returned, headed to his brother Fedko in Alden. His wife Paska remained in Balucianka. He stated he had previously resided in America 1903 to 1905.87 By 1891, John had married, in Balucianka, Anas¬ tasia Prozeralik, daughter of John and Mary (Rudawski) Prozeralik.88 The births of their children suggest John was absent from Balucianka for long periods of time between 1892 and 1906.89 Mitro Prozorolik, 26, Polish, of Beluzionka, arrived 22 August 1905 in New York. He was headed to his brother Iwan in Alden Station 90 Immi¬ gration records for Fecko and his wife have not been located. An immigration record for Fecko has not been located. Baptisms in Balucianka were found for Prozeralik brothers, although the dates are not perfect matches. Joannes— natus 16 Octobris 1867 baptisatus 19 Octobris 1867. Pater: Michael Prozeralik Colon in Balucianka filius Joannes Prozeralik et Anna de domo llasz agricola. Mater: Catherina filia Michaelis et Anas¬ tasia Kocieba agricola Balucianka. Patrini: Joannes Rydzyk et Anna uxor Stephan Antoryk agricola in Balucianka. Theodoras— natus 10 Junius 1868 baptisatus 13 Junius 1868. [Parents: see above.] Demetrius— natus 7 Novembris 1881 baptisatus 7 Novembris 1881. [Par¬ ents: see above.] Patrini: Elias Rydzyk et Feuronia Orysik agricola integric Balucianka. PAUL PROZERALIK, MARIA PROZERALIK, PETRO PROZERALIK, PARASCEVIA PROZERALIK, JACOB PROZERALIK Paul Prozeralik, his sons Peter and Jacob, and his daughter Parascevia followed Paul’s married sister Maria Jula to Alden. According the obituaries of the Jula children, Mary’s maiden name was Prozeralik.91 The draft card for Yuesko Prozeralik [Jacob] says he was born 15 July 1890 in Galicia, Austria 92 In 1920 Jacob, 30, and Pearl, 20, Prozeralik , 86 Zeeland passenger list, New York City, 9 June 1903, page 70, line 23 (NARA T715, roll 365). 87 Zeeland passenger list, New York City, 27 July 1909, page 91 (NARA T715, roll 1307). 88 John’s wife Anastasia Prozeralik was a sister to Paul Prozeralik. 89 Stephan, born 10 January 1892; Tatiana, born 2 February 1897, died 11 February 1897; Athanasius, born 8 February 1898; Elias born 6 August 1902, died 10 October 1902; Xenia born 25 March 1903; Simon born 14 August 1906, died 18 April 1910. 99 Zeeland passenger list, New York City, 22 August 1905, page 99, line 8 (NARA T715, roll 611). [Indexed as Progorelik on Ancestry.] 91 Mary Laychus obituary (Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, 27 June 1996) and Amelia Okonski obituary (Wilkes-Barre Times Leader, 28 December 1994). 92 Draft card dated 15 June 1917. 2007 Carpatho-Rusyn Immigrants to Alden, Pennsylvania 37 both born in Galicia, Austria, resided at 161 Polander Hill in Alden.93 By 1942, they moved to the Korn Krest section of Hanover Township, Luzerne County, and resided at 56 Diamond Avenue.94 Both are buried in the St. Vladimir Cemetery. On 5 June 1901, Pavel Prozoralik, 46, arrived in New York, headed to his “brother-in-law” Vasyl Jula in Alden 95 Paroska Prozoralik arrived 27 February 1905, but was detained and returned to the hospital until 7 March, while her father, Pawel, tele¬ graphed money from Aden [s/c] Station.96 Petro Prozavelik, 25, of Balutyanka, arrived 19 December 1905 in New York, headed to his father Pewel Prozeralik in Alden Station 97 In his declaration of intention, Jacko Prozeralik stated he arrived 10 September 1907 in New York on the Zeeland 98 His name has not been located on that particular ship manifest, although if Jacob Prozeralik indeed traveled on the Zeeland and arrived 10 September 1907, he would have traveled with Athanasius Orysick 99 Mary (Prozeralik) Jula’s immigration record has not been located. This family is found in Balucianka records. Paul’s first wife, Peter’s mother, was Anna Rudawski, daughter of Peter and Parascevia (Smerecki) Rudawski from the village of Posada Gorna, whom he married 10 Febru¬ ary 1879 in Posada Gorna.100 After her death, he married Xenia Rudawski, daughter of Daniel and Anastasia Rudawski of Posada Gorna. Paul eventu¬ ally returned to Europe. In his baptismal entry, “f 24.VIII.1931” is written under his name, indicating that Paul died 24 August 1931 in Balucianka. Paulus— natus 11 Januarius 1855 baptisatus 12 Januarius 1855. Pater: Joan¬ nes Prozeralik nufuser Balucianka filius Nicholas Prozeralik filius Eva de Suchorski ex Wulka. Mater: Marie Prozeralik filia Alexander Rudawski ex Krolik et Anna filia Michaelis et Anna Zawoski [ illegible ]. Maria— natus 15 Aprilis 1869 baptisatus 18 Aprilis 1869. [Parents: see above] Patrini: Theodorus Szalayda et Anastasia uxtor Danili Kotys agriola in Balucianka. 93 Jacob Prozeralik household, 1920 US Census, Newport Township, Luzerne County ED 144 sheet 2A (NARA T625, roll 1594). 94 Draft card U1832, born 26 September 1887 in Austria, age 54. 95 Friedrich der Grosse passenger list, New York City, 5 June 1901, page 84, line 17, (NARA T715, roll 202). On the ship list in faint pencil next to the bold “brother-in-law” is written Vasyl Jula. 96 Kroonland passenger list, New York City, 27 February 1905, page 103, line 177 (NARA T71 5, roll 538). 97 Finland passenger list, New York City, 19 December 1905, list 17, page 52, line 23 (NARA T7165, roll 651) [indexed as Progavelik on Ancestry]. 98 Petition of citizenship #1794, 2 September 1930, County of Luzerne, Court of Common Pleas, Wilkes-Barre, PA (Luzerne County Court House, Wilkes-Barre). 99 See The Orysik Family of Balucianka. 100 Paul was an uncle to John Krasulski and Peter Rudawski through his first wife. 38 Pennsylvania Genealogical Magazine Vol. 45 Petrus— natus 24 Octobris 1880 baptisatus 30 Octobris 1880. Pater: Paulus Prozeralik filius Joannis Prozeralik et Mariae Rudawski agricola in Balucianka. Mater: Anna filia Petri Rudawski et Parascviae Smerecki agricola in Posada Gorna. Patrini: Demetrius Potocki et Anna uxor Michaelis Kocieba agricola. Parascviae-natus 28 Septembris 1887 baptisatus 2 Octobris 1887. Pater: [see above]. Mater: Xenia Prozeralik filia Danielis et Anastasia Rudaw¬ ski agricola in Posada Gorna. Patrini: Dimitrius Potocki et Anestasia uxor Petri Dolyniski Agricola in Balutianka. Jacobus— natus 26 Septembris 1889 baptisatus 29 Septembris 1889. Pater: [see above]. Mater: [see above]. Patrini: Michael Michaeliszyn et Regina uxor Nicoli Steciak agricola in Balucianka. MICHAEL PROZERALIK On 3 March 1896, Michal Prozeralik, 23 and married, of Hungary, arrived in New York, headed to Alden.101 When Mihal Prozeralik, 37, married, of Balucianka, arrived 20 March 1905 in New York, he said had earlier been in America from 1894 to 1901. This time he was going to meet his cousin Michal Rudowski in McKees Rocks (another coal mining area, in Alle¬ gheny County near Pittsburgh, a common destination for Ruthenians).102 He is not found on any Alden census. One Michael Prozeralik was born in Balucianka between 1870 and 1880. Michael— natus 17 Octobris 1873 baptisatus 19 Octobris 1873- Pater: Dan¬ iel Prozeralik agricola Balucianka filius Joann. Prozeralik et Anna Ilasz agricola. Mater: Julianna uxor agricola filia Andr. Kotys et Maria Zawojski agricola en Balucianka. Patrini: Joannes Hardon et Catherine uxor Joann. Ruzcrak agricola en Balucianka. MANIO PROZERALIK, FYKA PROZERALIK, MARIA PROZERALIK Other Prozerliks came to Alden; however, they have not been positively identified, even though the ship manifests list Balucianka as their origin and Alden as their destination. Manio Prozeralik, 30, of Balutianka, arrived 15 March 1898 in Balti¬ more, heading to his brother [unnamed] in Alden, who had paid his pas¬ sage.103 Fyka Prozeralik, 14, and Maria Prozeralik, 20, from Balutianka, arrived 28 November 1898 in New York, heading to their brother M. Prozeralik in Alden Station.104 101 Friesland passenger list, New York City, 3 March 1896, page 13, line 27 (NARA M237, roll 653). 102 Bremen passenger list, New York City, 20 March 1905, list 71, page 78, line 20 (NARA T71 5, roll 545). 103 Dresden passenger list, Baltimore, 15 March 1898, list 3, page 128, line 5 (NARA T844, roll 9). 104 Maasdam passenger list, New York City, 28 November 1898, page 221, lines 13 and 23 (NARA T715, roll 41); town is spelled Kalutianka in Maria’s entry [indexed as Maria Prororalik and Fyka Prozoratsk on Ancestry].